News

Internet users and businesses in South Gloucestershire urged to complete broadband survey

PRIVATE internet users and businesses are being urged to show their support for faster broadband in South Gloucestershire by completing an online survey.

The questionnaire is designed to help demonstrate the marked demand for a high-speed connection in the region.

The information gathered will be used as evidence to encourage operators to invest in the local broadband infrastructure as part of a scheme being prepared by South Gloucestershire Council.

Under the plans, central government and council funding will be awarded to a contractor to install faster internet in areas that would not normally be attractive to commercial suppliers.

The council's executive member for corporate affairs, John Goddard, said: "Ensuring our residents and businesses have access to a fast, reliable and affordable broadband service is a priority for
South Gloucestershire Council.

"Better broadband provision will allow local businesses to prosper and will improve the quality of life for residents.

"This is a complex project involving a wide number of partners and council officers have already carried out a great deal of preparatory work on South Gloucestershire’s bid for funding during the
last year."

He added: "The more businesses and local people that take part in the survey, the stronger the case for investment and the more attractive the contract will be for potential commercial suppliers.

"I urge everyone with a desire for faster broadband to make their wishes known."

The council is currently finalising its submission to the government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) scheme, which will distribute a total of £530 million in funding across the country.

It is hoped that the district will be among the first to have its funding approved by BDUK during 2012.

The survey can be accessed on the council website at southglos.gov.uk/broadband